Abby’s ability to shift seamlessly between slapstick humor and raw, emotional storytelling is nothing short of genius.
Abby Wambaugh steps onto the Soho Theatre stage in a whirlwind of energy, ready to take us through The First 3 Minutes of 17 Shows. The concept is simple but bold: 17 sketches, each one lasting around three minutes, offering a snapshot of different comedic worlds. But from the very beginning, it’s clear this isn’t just a series of random bits. The vacuum cleaner impression that nearly claims the front row’s trousers is just the opening act in a much larger, more intricate performance. As the minutes tick by, the sketches veer from absurd to surreal, from the ridiculousness of “old-man parkour” to the wonderfully bizarre game of “Scare the Banana.” And every time the energy shifts, the audience is hooked, laughing and cringing in equal measure.
But this show isn’t just about the punchlines; it’s about the way Abby expertly pulls everything together. The quickfire sketches that seem disjointed at first? They’re all part of a bigger, deeply personal narrative that starts to emerge. At the heart of The First 3 Minutes is Wambaugh’s journey through gender identity and family. What begins as a series of zany, silly moments gradually unfold into something far more moving. Abby’s ability to shift seamlessly between slapstick humour and raw, emotional storytelling is nothing short of genius.
By the time we get to the final section, where Abby reads from a printed essay, there’s a noticeable shift in the room. The laughter fades into something quieter, more reflective, as they share the deeply personal story of why they started doing comedy. Themes of loss, grief, and recovery hang in the air, and yet, there’s no wallowing. Instead, Abby brings us into their world with vulnerability and warmth, making space for both laughter and tears in the same breath.
And yet, even as the show dips into more sombre territory, Abby’s humour remains razor-sharp. The tone is never self-indulgent or heavy-handed; instead, it’s a masterclass in how to blend comedy with catharsis. The crowd work here is spot-on — Abby knows how to keep the room engaged and connected, even as the emotional stakes get higher.
There’s also no shortage of audience participation, so if the thought of being pulled into the action makes you break into a cold sweat, consider this your warning. Abby has a knack for getting the crowd to take part in the absurdity, whether it’s by doing the worm on stage, singing along, or leaping over a stool in an old-man wig. It’s all part of the larger theme of stepping outside your comfort zone, something that Abby clearly practices themselves as they take their first full comedy show to the stage.
What really makes The First 3 Minutes of 17 Shows stand out, though, is Abby’s creativity. This is a show that feels like a sketch show, a solo stand-up set, and a one-person play all rolled into one. From the absurdity of ‘Scare the Banana’ to the poignancy of their personal reflections, it’s a performance that constantly surprises. You can’t quite predict where the show will go next, and that’s part of the magic.
Abby Wambaugh’s debut is an impressive feat — funny, heartfelt, and unexpectedly profound. It’s rare to see someone balance so many tones with such ease, and even rarer to see someone so clearly on the verge of something huge. If The First 3 Minutes is any indication, we’re in for a lot more from Abby in the future. You’ll leave the Soho Theatre with tears in your eyes and a smile on your face, already eager to see what they do next. Don’t miss it.